Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Uppsala universitet, 2007. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Immunology) -- University of Colorado Denver, 2008. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 138-153). Free to UCD Anschutz Medical Campus. Online version available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations;

Thesis (Ph.D. in Neuroscience) -- University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, 2006. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-118). Free to UCD Anschutz Medical Campus. Online version available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations;

Sabe-se que a hemoglobina é uma rica fonte de peptídeos antimicrobianos (hemocidinas). A primeira hemocidina derivada da hemoglobina bovina caracterizada em carrapatos foi o peptídeo Hb33-61, que é ativo contra bactérias gram-positivas e fungos. Acredita-se que tais hemocidinas sejam geradas proteoliticamente no intestino do carrapato. Neste trabalho nós caracterizamos bioquimicamente uma catepsina D, designada BmAP. A análise da expressão gênica por qPCR mostrou que ela é expressa predominantemente no intestino. Através de LC-MS/MS, determinamos a especificidade de clivagem da BmAP utilizando Hb bovina, e verificamos que resíduos hidrofóbicos foram preferencialmente clivados nos subsítios P1 e P1. Também investigamos a especificidade de clivagem da catepsina L intestinal BmCL1, utilizando uma biblioteca combinatória de tetrapeptídeos e através de hemoglobinólise in vitro. A BmCL1 preferiu resíduos alifáticos no P2 e polares no P1 e P1. Além disso, hidrolisou a cadeia da Hb bovina entre A63/A64, gerando peptídeos com estrutura primária similar ao Hb 33-61. A hemoglobinólise com a BmAP e/ou BmCL1 resultou na formação de algumas hemocidinas, corroborando a hipótese do seu envolvimento na geração endógena de peptídeos antimicrobianos. / It is known that hemoglobin is a rich source of antimicrobial peptides (hemocidins). The first hemoglobin-derived hemocidin characterized in ticks was the peptide Hb33-61, which is active against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. It is believed that hemocidins are endogenously generated in the tick gut. In this work we biochemically characterized a cathepsin D, designated BmAP. Expression analysis by qRT-PCR showed that it is expressed predominantly in the gut. Through LC-MS/MS, we determined the cleavage specificity of BmAP using bovine hemoglobin, and we verified that hydrophobic residues were preferentially cleaved at the subsites P1 and P1. We also investigated the cleavage specificity of the intestinal cathepsin L BmCL1, using a positional scanning synthetic combinatorial library and through in vitro hemoglobinolysis. BmCL1 preferred aliphatic residues at P2 and polar residues at P1 and P1. Also, it hydrolysed the subunit of bovine hemoglobin at A63/A64, generating peptides with a primary structure similar to Hb 33-61. Hemoglobinolysis with BmAP and/or BmCL1 resulted in the formation of some hemocidins, corroborating the hypothesis that these proteinases are involved in the endogenous generation of antimicrobial peptides

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da N-acetil-L-cisteína (NAC), adicionada ao diluente composto de leite em pó desnatado, sobre a viabilidade espermática e o estresse oxidativo do sêmen equino resfriado a 5°C. Ejaculados de 8 pôneis da raça Brasileira foram coletados em triplicata resultando em 24 ejaculados. O sêmen foi distribuído em 4 grupos: Equidil® + 0,00 mM (controle), 0,5 mM, 1,0 mM ou 2,5 mM de NAC. As amostras foram armazenadas em tubos de 15mL e mantidas em caixas de transporte de sêmen BotuFLEX® (Botupharma, Botucatu-SP, Brasil). Parâmetros como motilidade total (MT), motilidade progressiva (MP), vigor, pH, resposta ao teste hiposmótico (HOST) e atividade mitocondrial (MTT) foram avaliados nas 24 e 48 h, bem como no sêmen fresco, após a diluição. O vigor, MT e MP foram também avaliados após teste de termorresistência (TTR), na ausência e presença de peróxido. A MT, a MP, o vigor espermático e a MTT foram similares (P > 0.05) entre as concentrações de NAC, nas 24 e 48 h. A resposta ao HOST foi semelhante entre as concentrações de NAC (P > 0,05) nas 24 h de resfriamento, porém nas 48 h ocorreu diminuição da funcionalidade da membrana no grupo NAC 2,5 mM em comparação ao grupo EQUIDIL, sem adição de NAC. A MT, a MP e vigor, das amostras resfriadas por 24 h e submetidas ao TTR, diferiu entre sem e com peróxido (P < 0,05) nos grupos Equidil, 0,5 mM e 1,0 mM, mas foi similar na concentração de 2,5 mM de NAC. Quando o sêmen foi resfriado por 48 h, houve diferença no vigor e MT entre amostras com e sem peróxido (P < 0,05), em todos os grupos testados, mas a MP foi similar entre amostras com e sem peróxido, na concentração 2,5 mM. O pH do diluente Equidil® foi o maior e os grupos Equidil + 0,5 mM e 1,0 mM tiveram valores intermediários, enquanto a concentração de 2,5 mM de NAC gerou valores mais baixos, nos três momentos avaliados (P < 0,05). Não houve variação significativa de pH entre os momentos 0 e 24 h (P= 0,7075) e entre 0 e 48 h (P= 0,4617), em todos os grupos testados. As concentrações de NAC testadas não melhoraram a motilidade, integridade da membrana plasmática, atividade mitocondrial e resposta ao HOST de espermatozoides equinos resfriados a 5°C e armazenados por 48 h. Após TTR, as concentrações de NAC testadas não evitaram a diminuição da motilidade e vigor espermático, na presença de peróxido. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) based on skim milk powder extender on sperm viability and oxidative stress of equine semen cooled to 5°C. Ejaculate of 8 ponies of the Brazilian breed were collected in triplicate, resulting in 24 ejaculates, distributed in 4 groups: Equidil® extender + 0.00mm (control), 0.5mM, 1.0mM and 2.5mM of NAC with the semen samples were The samples were stored in 15mL tubes and kept in BotuFLEX® semen transport boxes (Botupharm, Botucatu/SP/Brazil). Parameters, such as motility, vigor, pH, osmolarity, HOST, and MTT were evaluated at 24 and 48 h of cooling also in fresh semen. Vigor, total (TM) and progressive motility (PM) were also evaluated after thermoresistance test (TTR), in the absence and presence of peroxide. TM, PM, sperm vigor and MTT were similar (P > 0.05) between NAC concentrations at 24 and 48 h. The response to HOST was similar between NAC concentrations (P > 0.05) at 24 h cooling, but at 48 h there was a decreased in membrane functionality in 2.5mM NAC group compared to the EQUIDIL group. TM, PM, and vigor of the samples cooled by 24 h and submitted to TTR differed between without and with peroxide (P< 0.05) in the EQUIDIL, 0.5mM and 1.0mM groups, but was similar in 2.5mM NAC. After cooling for 48 h, there was difference in vigor and TM between samples with and without peroxide (P < 0.05) in all groups tested, but the PM was similar between samples with and without peroxide at concentration 2.5mM of NAC. The pH of the EQUIDIL extender was higher and the EQUIDIL + 0.5mM and 1.0mM groups had intermediate values, while the 2.5mM NAC concentration generated lower values in the three evaluated periods (P < 0.05). There was no significant variation of pH between 0 and 24 h (P=0.7075) and between 0 and 48 h (P=0.4617) in all groups tested. The concentrations of NAC tested did not improve motility, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and response to HOST equine spermatozoa cooled to 5°C and stored for 48 h. After TTR, the concentrations of NAC tested did not prevent the decrease of motility and sperm vigor in the presence of peroxide.

Dans ce travail, nous avons développé différentes méthodes pour la co-immobilisation sur des électrodes poreuses de carbone de déshydrogénases NAD-dépendantes avec le complexe (2,2'-bipyridyle)(pentaméthylcyclopentadiényl)-rhodium ([Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+) pour des applications de synthèse électroenzymatique d’alcools et de sucres chiraux. L'objectif était d'éviter la dégradation de l'activité enzymatique provenant de l'interaction entre les groupes fonctionnels de surface de l'enzyme (-SH, -NH2) et le complexe [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+, et également de permettre le recyclage des catalyseurs. L’électrogreffage de sels de diazonium a été utilisé pour introduire des fonctions alcène et/ou azoture sur une surface de carbone (carbone vitreux plan, feutre de carbone poreux ou couches de nanotubes de carbone). La chimie click « thiol-ène » a été utilisée pour lier de manière covalente une D-sorbitol déshydrogénase modifiée par un tag cystéine (soit 1 ou 2 fragments cystéine à l'extrémité N-terminale de la chaîne polypeptidique) à des électrodes de carbone. Ensuite, la réaction de cyclo-addition de Huisgen alcyne-azoture a été utilisée pour lier le complexe [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ à l’électrode. Ensuite la co-immobilisation des enzymes redox (D-sorbitol et galactitol déshydrogénases) avec le complexe [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ a été testée par l'encapsulation des protéines dans une couche de gel de silice, à l'intérieur d'un feutre de carbone poreux préalablement fonctionnalisé par le complexe de rhodium. Le catalyseur est alors stable pendant plusieurs semaines pour la réaction de régénération de NADH, mais cette architecture d'électrode conduit à l'inhibition de l'activité enzymatique, probablement causée par un microenvironnement local (augmentation du pH et de la concentration du produit). La combinaison des chimies clicks « thiol-ène » et cyclo-addition de Huisgen a ensuite été étudiée pour l'immobilisation séquentielle de [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ et d’une D-sorbitol déshydrogénase porteuse d’un tag cystéine, sur une électrode poreuse bi-fonctionnalisée par les groupes azoture et alcène. Enfin, compte tenu de la différence de durée de vie des enzymes et du complexe [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ et de la nécessité d'améliorer la séparation de ces éléments du système bioélectrochimique, l’assemblage optimal a été obtenu en associant une couche poreuse de silice dans laquelle est immobilisée l’enzyme avec un papier de nanotubes de carbone fonctionnalisé par le complexe de rhodium. Le catalyseur [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ pour la régénération de NADH peut être réutilisé successivement avec plusieurs couches de protéines. Ce système optimal a finalement été appliqué à la conversion bioélectrochimique du D-fructose en D-sorbitol / In this work we developed methods for the co-immobilization of NAD-dependent dehydrogenases and the (2,2'-bipyridyl) (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-rhodium complex ([Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+) on porous carbon electrodes for application in the electroenzymatic synthesis of chiral alcohols and sugars. The goal was to avoid the degradation of the enzymatic activity coming from the interaction of functional groups from the enzyme surface (eg.-SH, -NH2) with [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ and to promote the recyclability of the catalyst. Diazonium electrografting was used to introduce alkene and azide groups on a carbon surface (flat glassy carbon, porous carbon felt or carbon nanotubes layers). Thiol-ene click chemistry was applied to bind a D-sorbitol dehydrogenase with cysteine tags (either 1 or 2 cysteine moieties at the N terminus of the polypeptide chain) onto carbon electrodes. Azide-alkyne Huisgen cyclo-addition reaction was used to bind an alkyne-modified [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+. Then co-immobilization of the redox enzymes (D-sorbitol and galactitol dehydrogenase) with the complex [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ was tested by encapsulation of the proteins in a silica gel layer, inside a rhodium-functionalized porous carbon felt. The immobilized [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ was stable over weeks for NADH regeneration, but this electrode architecture led to the inhibition of the enzymatic activity, possibly because of the local environment (increase of pH and product accumulation in the porous electrode). The combination of ‘thiol-ene’ and Huisgen cyclo-addition was then investigated for sequential immobilization of [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ and cysteine-tagged D-sorbitol dehydrogenase on an azide-alkene bi-functionalized electrode. Finally, considering the different lifetime of enzymes and [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ catalyst, and the need for a better separation of these elements from the bioelectrochemical system, the best configuration was achieved by associating a porous silica layer with the immobilized enzyme with a bucky paper of carbon nanotubes functionalized with [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+. The reusability of this functionalized electrode was proved and the designed bioelectrode was successfully applied to a bioelectrochemical conversion of D-fructose to D-sorbitol

Le renouvellement de la membrane basale et de la matrice extracellulaire lors de processus physiologiques ou pathologiques (réparation tissulaire, angiogenèse, inflammation, cancer) fait intervenir de nombreuses protéases dont les cathepsines à cystéine. Après avoir étudié leur localisation dans l’épiderme à proximité de la jonction dermo-épidermique et leur sécrétion par les kératinocytes, nous avons montré la capacité de la cathepsine S à dégrader efficacement les principales protéines de la membrane basale (laminine, collagène IV, perlécan) et plus particulièrement le nidogène-1, qui est essentiel à l’organisation architecturale de la membrane basale via de multiples interactions avec les autres constituants. Parmi plusieurs glycosaminoglycanes présents dans la matrice extracellulaire, le chondroïtine 4-sulfate est capable de se complexer avec la cathepsine S, via trois sites potentiels de fixation dont un au niveau de son site actif, et d’inhiber son activité enzymatique de façon dose-dépendante. L’expression et l’activité de la cathepsine S au niveau de l’épiderme diminuent au cours du vieillissement cutané, alors que l’expression du nidogène-1 reste stable. La cathepsine S jouerait donc un rôle important aux côtés d’autres protéases dans le remodelage de la membrane basale. / Basement membrane (BM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover during physiological or pathological events (tissue repair, angiogenesis, inflammation, cancer) involves numerous proteases including cysteine cathepsins. Cathepsins expression in skin epidermis near dermal-epidermal junction and their secretion by keratinocytes were first analyzed. We showed that cathepsin S degrades efficiently main BM components (laminin, type IV collagen, perlecan) and particularly nidogen-1 that is essential for BM architecture. Among several glycosaminoglycans present in ECM, chondroïtin 4-sulfate is able to form a stable complex with cathepsin S. Three predicted binding sites including one closed to its active site were identified. Further, C4-S inhibits cathepsin S activity in a dose-dependent manner. The expression and activity of cathepsin S in epidermis are decreased upon skin aging while nidogen-1 expression remains unchanged. Cathepsin S besides other proteases may play an important role in BM remodeling.

Lors de la fibrose pulmonaire idiopathique (FPI), la différenciation fibroblastique s’accompagne d’une accumulation excessive des composants de la matrice extracellulaire ainsi qu’à un dérèglement de la balance protéases / antiprotéases. Nous avons étudié le rôle des cathepsines à cystéine dans la myofibrogenèse et leur contribution potentielle à la physiopathologie de la fibrose pulmonaire chez l’Homme. Pour cela, le profil d’expression des cathepsines ainsi que de leurs inhibiteurs naturels a été évalué dans un modèle cellulaire expérimental, puis dans des myofibroblastes primaires et enfin dans des liquides de lavage broncho-Alvéolaires (LBA) de patients atteints de FPI. Nos résultats montrent que lors de la FPI la cystatine C (inhibiteur naturel des protéases à cystéine) régule les activités protéolytiques des cathepsines extracellulaires et pourrait ainsi contribuer à l’accumulation de collagènes. Elle serait un biomarqueur potentiel de la FPI. D’autre part la cathepsine B participe à la différentiation fibroblastique et son inhibition retarde la myofibrogenèse. / During idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), fibroblast differentiation is accompanied by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components as well as an imbalance between proteases and theirs inhibitors. We evaluated the role of human cysteine cathepsins in myofibrogenesis and their potential contribution to the pathogenesis of IPF. Expression of cathepsins and their natural inhibitors have been studied in an experimental cell model, but also in primary myofibroblasts and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of patients suffering from IPF. Our results show that cystatin C (a natural inhibitor of cysteine proteases) regulates the extracellular proteolytic activities of cathepsins and could contribute to the accumulation of collagens. Cystatin C could also be a potential biomarker of IPF. On the other hand, cathepsin B participates in fibroblast differentiation and its inhibition delays myofibrogenesis.

Die vorliegende Untersuchung diente, nach der grundlegenden Vorgehensweise im Rahmen des exponentiellen N-Verwertungsmodelles (GEBHARDT 1966, Samadi und Liebert 2008), die Aminosäurewirksamkeit beim Masthähnchen unter spezifischer Fokussierung der schwefelhaltigen Aminosäuren Methionin und Cystein zu bewerten und neue Erkenntnisse zum Idealprotein-Konzept beim Mastgeflügel zu erhalten. Dazu wurden Stoffwechsel- und Wachstumsversuche mit männlichen Ross 308 Broilerküken in jeweils zwei Altersperioden (Starter- und Growerperiode) durchgeführt. Die Beantwortung der komplexen Fragestellung erforderte ein Herangehen in drei separaten Versuchskomplexen, die folgende Zielstellungen umfassten: Untersuchungskomplex I: Ermittlung des NMR (N-Erhaltungsbedarf) und NRmaxT (theoretisches maximales N-Retentionsvermögen) Untersuchungskomplex II: vergleichende Bertachtung der Methioninwirksamkeit zweier Methioninquellen (DL-Methionin (DLM) und 2-Hydroxy-4-methylthiobuttersäure (MHA)) und Ermittlung des Methioninbedarfs in Abhängigkeit vom Met:Cys-Verhältnis Untersuchungskomplex III: Ableitung eines idealen Aminosäurenverhältnisses unter Betrachtung der Aminosäuren Lysin, Threonin, Tryptophan, Arginin, Isoleucin und Valin Folgende Resultate wurden erzielt: NMR und NRmaxT Der in einem N-Bilanzversuch ermittelte N-Erhaltungsbedarf (NMR) für Ross 308 Broiler betrug für die Altersperiode 10. - 20. LT 295 mg/LMkg0,67 pro Tag und für die Altersperiode 25. - 35. LT 313 mg/LMkg0,67 pro Tag. Da die Ergebnisse, des in beiden Altersabschnitten analysierten N-Erhaltungsbedarfes sehr ähnlich waren, wurde der Mittelwert dieser beiden Parameter eruiert. Der durchschnittliche, als Arbeitswert für den täglichen N-Erhaltungsbedarf angenommene NMR betrug, für die unter der Studie betrachtete Genetik, somit 304 mg/LMkg0,67 pro Tag. Die Bewertung des theoretischen Potentials für die tägliche N-Retention (NRmaxT) männlicher Broilerküken der genetischen Herkunft Ross 308 entsprach für die Altersperiode 10. - 20. LT 3991mg/LMkg0,67 pro Tag und 3110 mg/LMkg0,67 pro Tag für die Altersperiode 25. - 35. LT. Die Ergebnisse demonstrierten, dass das genetische Potential zur Proteindeposition wachsender Broiler mit zunehmendem Alter sank. Methionin-Wirksamkeit Gegenüber der Negativkontrolle konnte durch die DL-Methionin- / MHA-Zulagen bzw. DL-Methionin- / MHA-Zulagen in Kombination mit Cystein der tägliche Zuwachs und der Futteraufwand signifikant verbessert werden. Beim Vergleich der relativen Wirksamkeit von DLM und MHA in dieser Arbeit zeigt sich eine Überlegenheit des DLM in allen Mischungen, mit Ausnahme der zweiten Met+Cys-Supplementationsstufe in der Growerperiode, bei der eine Wirksamkeit von 100 erzielt wurde. Die MHA-Wirksamkeit variierte in einem Bereich zwischen 62% und 100% in Abhängigkeit vom Met:Cys-Verhältnis und dem Gehalt an Met bzw. Cys in der Diät. Die Ergebnisse lassen vermuten, dass mit zunehmendem Anteil an Methionin sowie innerhalb des Methioninlevels ein zunehender Anteil an Cystein in der Diät, die Wirksamkeit von MHA relativ zu DLM senkte. Ableitungen zum täglichen Methioninbedarf Die abgeleiteten Werte zum täglichen Methioninbedarf bezogen sich auf einen Rohproteinansatz von 6 - 10g/d (Starter) bzw. 12 - 20g/d (Grower) und lagen in einem Bereich von: 244 - 498 mg/LMkg0,67pro LT bei einer Met-Wirksamkeit von 157 (Starter, 10. 21. LT) 230 - 500 mg/LMkg0,67pro LT bei einer Met-Wirksamkeit von 196 (Grower, 25. 35. LT) Danach benötigte ein Broiler mit einer mittleren Lebendmasse von 500g zur Realisierung eines täglichen Proteinansatzes von 6 - 10 mg/d eine Zufuhr von 154 313 mg Met/d und ein Broiler mit einer mittleren Lebendmasse von 1800g zur Realisierung eines täglichen Proteinansatzes von 12 20 mg/d eine Zufuhr von 341 742 mg Met/d. Bei einer täglichen Futteraufnahme von 50g bzw. 130g ergaben sich notwendige Aminosäurekonzentrationen im Futter von 0,26 - 0,57% Methionin bzw. 0,31 - 0,63% Methionin. Für die Methioninbedarfswerte zeigte sich eine bestehende Abhängigkeit zum Met:Cys-Verhältnis bzw. Cys-Gehalt der Futtermischung. Ableitungen zum idealen Aminosäurenverhältnis N-Bilanz- und Wachstumsversuche zur Ermittlung der idealen Aminosäurenverhältnisse wurden durchgeführt. Aus den drei N-Bilanzversuchen ergab sich ein ideales Lys:Thr:Trp:Arg:Ile:Val-Verhältnis von 100:61:17:106:59:69 für Broiler in der Altersperiode 10. - 20. LT sowie ein ideales Lys:Thr:Trp:Arg:Ile:Val-Verhältnis von 100:65:17:106:65:82 für Broiler in der Altersperiode 25. - 35. LT. Die Ergebnisse bestätigten die schon für Lys:Thr bekannte Altersabhängigkeit. Neue Aspekte ergaben sich jedoch hinsichtlich Ile und Val, bei denen ebenfalls ein altersbedingter Anstieg relativ zum Lys beobachtet wurde. Unter Mittelwertbildung der beiden Wachstumsversuche ergaben sich folgende Aminosäurenverhältnisse: Lys:Thr:Trp:Arg:Ile:Val von 100:62:18:95:68:72 für Broiler in der Altersperiode 0. - 21. LT und Lys:Thr:Trp:Arg:Ile:Val von 100:73:15:92:73:82 für Broiler in der Altersperiode 21. - 35. LT.

O processo de criopreservação promove danos celulares que podem comprometer a qualidade espermática em termos de motilidade e dos índices de fertilidade, principalmente, devido ao estresse oxidativo. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes concentrações de cisteína e glutamina na motilidade, morfologia, integridade da membrana, danos no DNA e índices de estresse oxidativo no sêmen de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) pós-descongelamento. O sêmen de 5 machos (369,6 ± 71,75 g), com motilidade espermática superior a 80%, foi criopreservado em solução crioprotetora (frutose 50 g / L, leite em pó 50 g / L e metanol 100 mL / L) contendo diferentes concentrações de cisteína (0, 2,5, 5, 10 e 20 mM) e/ou glutamina (2,5 e 5,0 mM). O pool de sêmen foi diluído na proporção de 1:3, armazenado em palhetas de 0,25 mL, congelado em vapor de nitrogênio e mergulhado em nitrogênio líquido. Após o descongelamento (25°C por 10s) foram avaliados: motilidade (motilidade total, 0-100%), morfologia (Rosa de Bengala), fertilização, integridade da membrana (Eosina-Nigrosina), dano ao DNA (teste cometa), peroxidação lipídica (TBARS), atividade das enzimas SOD, CAT, GST e GPx, e a concentração de grupos carbonilas e sulfidrilas. Em relação aos parâmetros de motilidade, fertilização e morfologia espermática, nenhum tratamento apresentou diferença significativa em relação ao controle Na avaliação da integridade de membrana não foi observada diferença entre os tratamentos (P=0,7323). No ensaio do cometa e peroxidação lipídica os tratamentos que apresentaram os piores resultados foram os com maiores concentrações de cisteína e glutamina combinadas (P<0,0001) em relação ao controle. Observou-se uma maior atividade da SOD nos tratamentos 20C, 2,5G e 5G menor atividade no controle (P<0,0001). A atividade da CAT, GST e GPx foi maior no tratamento com as maiores concentrações dos antioxidantes (20C+5G; P<0,0001) e menor no controle. A concentração de grupos carbonilas foi maior no tratamento 20C+5G e menor controle (P<0,0001). Já a concentração de grupos sulfidrilas foi maior no controle e no tratamento 5C+5G (P<0,0001). Os achados deste estudo mostram que cisteína e glutamina, nas concentrações testadas, não apresentaram resultados satisfatórios e sim efeitos prejudiciais à qualidade espermática nos parâmetros de motilidade, morfologia, fertilização, peroxidação lipídica, índice de danos ao DNA e oxidação de proteínas. Portanto, as concentrações testadas não são recomendadas para a suplementação da solução crioprotetora para congelamento de sêmen de Rhamdia quelen. / The cryopreservation process promotes cellular damage that could compromise sperm quality in terms of motility and fertility rates, mainly due to oxidative stress. Thus, aim of this study was to assess the effects of different concentrations of cysteine and glutamine on post-thaw sperm motility, morphology, membrane integrity, fertility, DNA damage and indices of oxidative stress in the South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). Sperm collected from five males (369.6 ± 71.75g), with sperm motility higher than 80%, was cryopreserved in cryoprotectant solution (fructose 50 g/L, powdered milk 50 g/L and methanol 100mL/L) containing different cysteine concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mM) and/or glutamine (2.5 and 5.0 mM). The semen pool was diluted 1:3, filled in 0.25 mL straws, frozen in nitrogen vapor, and plunged into liquid nitrogen. After thawing (25°C for 10 s) were measured: motility (total motile, 0-100%), morphology (Bengal Rose Staining), fertilization, membrane integrity (Eosin-Nigrosine), DNA damage (cometa assay), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), the activity of SOD, CAT, GST and GPx enzymes, and the concentration of Carbonyl and Sulfhydril groups. In relation to parameters of motility, fertilization and sperm morphology, no treatment presented a significant difference in relation to the control In the evaluation of membrane integrity, no difference was observed between treatments (P = 0.7323). In the comet and lipid peroxidation assay the treatments with the worst results were those with the highest concentrations of cysteine and glutamine combined (P <0.0001) in relation to the control. A higher activity of SOD was observed in treatments 20C, 2.5G and 5G lower activity in the control (P <0.0001). The activity of CAT, GST and GPx was higher in the treatment with the highest concentrations of antioxidants (20C + 5G; P <0.0001) and lower in the control. The concentration of carbonyl groups was higher in the 20C + 5G treatment and lower control (P <0.0001). The concentration of sulfhydryl groups was higher in control and 5C + 5G treatment (P <0.0001).The findings of this study show that cysteine and glutamine, at the concentrations tested, did not present satisfactory results, but rather, damaging effects on sperm quality in the parameters of motility, morphology, fertilization, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and protein oxidation. Therefore, the concentrations tested are not recommended for the supplementation of the cryoprotectant solution for freezing semen of Rhamdia quelen.